By Dickson Bandera
When Lord Brighton College opened its gates in January 2025 in Nyabira about 34 kilometres north of Harare, it stepped into Zimbabwe’s highly competitive education landscape with an ambitious pledge — to combine academic excellence with holistic student development.
Over two years of meticulous construction, strategic planning, and the establishment of robust administrative systems gave birth to a modern, well-resourced campus featuring state-of-the-art facilities, a team of highly qualified teaching and support staff, and a dynamic programme that meets both local and international educational benchmarks.
Offering a dual curriculum — Cambridge and ZIMSEC — the school provides students with the flexibility to pursue the academic pathway that best aligns with their aspirations, all while upholding consistently high standards of excellence.
Within months of opening, Lord Brighton made its intentions clear. It enrolled its first stream of students — from Form 1 to Upper Sixth in the high school section and from ECD to Grade 7 in the primary school. A dedicated fleet of buses was introduced to ferry students and staff daily, and the school created employment opportunities for locals from the Nyabira community.
The school wasted no time in establishing its presence on the academic and sporting calendar. Just in its first two terms, it has hosted multi-school sports tournaments featuring top institutions such as Peterhouse, St George’s, St John’s, Chisipite, Lomagundi, and Falcon College — a bold move signalling its ambition to stand shoulder to shoulder with Zimbabwe’s most respected schools.
Just recently, it hosted a Spelling Bee competition that drew nearly 1,000 students from over 60 schools in Harare, cementing its role as a hub for both academic and extracurricular excellence.
Academic excursions are also central to the school’s vision. One notable trip took students to KwaTerry Restaurant in Village 6, Mhondoro-Ngezi, where they experienced rural life first-hand — from sampling traditional dishes to learning about community livelihoods. Such experiences, coupled with a growing collection of sports trophies, reflect a vibrant and balanced student life.
Yet, as every seasoned educator knows, infrastructure, curriculum and qualified staff alone do not make a great school — it is visionary leadership that transforms potential into progress and turns a vision into reality.
At the helm of this rapid growth is Mr. Denis Takaza — a leader whose rare blend of experience, vision, and determination has set the school firmly on a path to distinction. Charged with guiding Lord Brighton into becoming one of Zimbabwe’s premier learning institutions, he shoulders the responsibility of fulfilling the promise parents expect for their children.
With more than three decades of distinguished service in education, Mr. Takaza’s credentials are nothing short of impressive. His journey began in the 1990s at Gweru Teachers’ College, where he earned his teaching qualification. Upon graduation, he immediately immersed himself in the profession, successfully guiding students in both government and private schools.
Over the years, he has continually expanded his expertise — earning a Master’s degree in Educational Management, embarking on doctoral studies, and currently pursuing a Law degree at the University of Zimbabwe. This blend of academic rigor and practical experience has shaped him into a versatile, visionary leader in the education sector.
His leadership philosophy rests on three pillars — integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. He champions collaborative decision-making and continuous improvement, ensuring that school policies and practices align with the mission to nurture the whole child in a caring, vibrant, and forward-looking environment.
This culture is woven into the fabric of the school’s daily life. During a recent visit, students could be seen pausing to greet elders with warmth and respect, moving in orderly groups, and offering assistance to visitors — small yet powerful gestures that speak volumes about the discipline, courtesy, and values being nurtured.
The staff, too, have found a true home at Lord Brighton College. Their commitment is reflected in the school’s remarkable zero attrition rate, a rare achievement in the education sector and a clear sign of a supportive, fulfilling work environment. Here, teachers are not just employees; they are mentors, role models, and part of a close-knit academic family.
Parents are actively woven into the school’s vibrant life, invited to take part in various activities where they are warmly received and engaged by both teachers and students. This fosters a strong community spirit, reinforcing the school’s belief that education thrives best when it is a shared responsibility.
For Mr. Takaza, these achievements are more than milestones — they are the living proof of a vision in action.
For Mr. Takaza, these achievements are only the beginning.
“I have dedicated over three decades to the field of education, serving in various capacities from classroom teaching to administrative leadership,” he reflected. “My passion has always been to create learning environments where every child feels valued and empowered. When the opportunity arose to lead Lord Brighton College, I was inspired by its vision to blend academic excellence with holistic development — and I saw a chance to shape future leaders.”
That vision is anchored on a clear mission: to be a catalyst for positive change in student learning and development, producing leaders who strive for excellence and embrace diversity.
Beyond academics, Mr. Takaza has nurtured a rich extracurricular culture. The Nhungo Arts Centre ensures every student learns to play at least one African and one European instrument, while also engaging in poetry, crafts, debate, and public speaking. On the sports front, students compete in rugby, soccer, volleyball, basketball, chess, martial arts, swimming, water polo, golf, and hockey. A reliable fleet of school vehicles guarantees both day scholars and boarders full participation.
He also said he was impressed with how the school has stood shoulder by shoulder with other top schools especially in sports.
“One of our proudest milestones is the way we’ve engaged with other top schools so early in our journey,” he said. “We’ve already competed against almost all the ATS schools in and around Harare, and that exposure is invaluable for our learners.”
In recognition of the demands of a globalised world, Chinese Mandarin lessons have also been introduced. “Proficiency in languages like Chinese Mandarin opens up vast opportunities,” Mr. Takaza explained. “Our students have embraced it enthusiastically, knowing it gives them a competitive edge globally.”
In just a few months, Lord Brighton College has emerged as more than a school — it is becoming a centre of intellectual curiosity, cultural diversity, and leadership training.
Under Mr. Takaza’s steady and visionary guidance, it is poised to become a defining force in Zimbabwe’s educational future, shaping not only successful students but also principled leaders of tomorrow.
